FEATURED ARTICLES ABOUT NICKELODEON

The Burbank police and fire departments, in collaboration with the American Red Cross, are hosting a blood drive this month. Donors can register online or just show up to the Feb. 18 drive, which will be held in the community room of the Community Services Building, located at 150 N. Third St. The event will take place from 9:30 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. To register online, visit www.redcrossblood.org, and enter the sponsor code: “badgesocal.” ...

It's a rare 4-year-old who can incite a bidding war. But Fyn Stec, the son of an animator at Nickelodeon Studios, didn't have to budge from his spot in the Childrens Hospital Los Angeles to fill the halls of the Cartoon Network Building in Burbank last weekend with savvy bidders, all vying to take home the art that covered the walls. "This was all word-of-mouth," said Cindy Morrow, a family friend and storyboard artist at the Cartoon Network. "I thought there would be about 40 pieces ?

Karen S. Kim SOUTH SAN FERNANDO -- Viacom Inc. announced Tuesday that its acquisition of BET Holdings II Inc. has been completed with a $3-billion deal. Viacom first announced the acquisition on Nov. 3. Though Burbank's Black Entertainment Television offices at 811 S. San Fernando Blvd. will have a new corporate boss, BET founder Robert Johnson will remain chairman and chief executive officer of the company. Debra Lee will continue as BET's president.

Ceramic artists are making a statement with their pottery pieces while raising funds to help homeless families. The third annual Empty Bowl fundraiser benefits Family Promise of the East San Fernando Valley. The event is from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. June 2 at the First United Methodist Church of Glendale, 134 N. Kenwood St., Glendale. Proceeds provide safe shelter, meals and support to homeless families. Area artists are creating one-of-a-kind bowls and donating them to the fundraiser.

A jiu jitsu instructor was reportedly tackled at his Burbank studio on Monday, and police are seeking leads. At 5:30 p.m., a man - described by police as Hispanic, 5 feet 8, 180 pounds and wearing a dark sweatshirt - entered the Force Balance Brazilian Jiu Jitsu studio expressing interest in taking a class, said Burbank Police Sgt. Darin Ryburn. The instructor, a 39-year-old man, finished up his class and went to grab some pamphlets in the lobby when the man tackled him from behind, Ryburn said.

Jackson Bell Lisa Lillien knew she was on to something when she had low-calorie pastries from her favorite local sweet shop analyzed and learned that they were twice as fattening as the business claimed. Though she decided not to expose the shop -- and declined to name them for this article -- Lillien knew that her in-depth research on food she loves could benefit more than herself. So she decided to launch the website and daily e-mail newsletter Hungry Girl -- Tips & Tricks for Hungry Chicks.

Molly Shore Jenna Flynn's career goal is to be a professional soccer player and veterinarian. But for now, the Jordan Middle School sixth-grader is happy to be one of 15 national TIME for Kids reporters. Jenna hobnobbed with Hollywood's brightest stars when she covered the 16th annual Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards at the Santa Monica Airport on April 12. "It was really exciting seeing the stars walking up on the orange carpet," Jenna said, adding that orange is used because it is the color of Nickelodeon's logo.

Buffalo Wild Wings opens new location Buffalo Wild Wings is scheduled to open its newest location in Burbank on Sept. 21. The restaurant, which offers a variety of mild and spicy sauces, will feature big screens and high-definition televisions. ? CTN-X opens Nov. 20 in Burbank The Creative Talent Network, a virtual community of professional artists from the animation gaming, film and video industries, has announced the launch of the first Creative Talent Network Animation Expo to be from Nov. 20 to 22 at the Burbank Marriott Convention Center.

Joyce Rudolph Parachute Express drops into The Alex GLENDALE -- Parachute Express, a musical trio made up of Donny Becker, Janice Hubbard and Stephen Michael Schwartz, will present two shows on Sunday at The Alex Theatre in Glendale. The group has brought music styles from jazz to folk to parents and children throughout the nation, blending songwriting, harmonies and kid-friendly performances. Parachute Express was named one of the Superstars of Children's Music by L.A. Parent Magazine.

Lolita Harper MEDIA CITY CENTER DISTRICT -- Dozens of cute, furry little animals can look forward to going "Home for the Holidays" with the help of Burbank volunteers. The city of Burbank, the Burbank Animal Shelter, Media City Center Mall and Nickelodeon are co-sponsoring the second annual "Adopt-a-Pet " program this holiday season and need recruits to help the program be as successful as last year. With the help of many seniors, students, service groups and city staff members, a total of 53 cats, dogs and rabbits were adopted into loving homes.